Published: Tuesday 25th February, 2025

When is the right time to turn off your heating?

As the days start to get longer and spring is on the horizon, many of us start wondering: When should I turn my heating off? It’s a tricky balance—turn it off too soon and you’ll be shivering through unexpected cold snaps; leave it on too long and you could be paying for heating you don’t really need.

So, when is the right time to switch off your heating? The answer depends on a few factors, from the UK’s famously unpredictable weather to the type of home you live in. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide when to make the switch.

1. Watch the Weather, Not the Calendar

There’s no official date when everyone should turn off their heating, but a good rule of thumb is to keep an eye on the weather forecast. In the UK, temperatures can still dip well into single digits in March and even April. Ideally, you’ll want to wait until daytime temperatures are consistently above 15°C before you switch off completely.

A common time for most households to turn the heating off is mid to late April, but some prefer to keep it on until May, just in case. Spring weather can be a mixed bag, so be flexible!

2. How Warm is Your Home Without Heating?

Every home is different. If you live in a well-insulated house with modern double glazing, you might find that your home stays warm enough without heating much earlier in the year. Older properties or homes with single glazing may still feel chilly even when outside temperatures start to rise.

If you’re unsure, try turning your heating down gradually before switching it off completely. This way, you’ll get a feel for whether your home can retain heat comfortably without needing the radiators.

3. The Night-Time Test

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that because the days feel warmer, they don’t need heating at night. UK spring nights can still be quite cold, especially in March and April. Before you commit to switching off the heating entirely, try a few nights with it turned off and see how you feel in the morning.

If you wake up freezing, it might be too soon!

4. Smart Heating & Thermostats: A Game Changer

If you have a smart thermostat, you don’t necessarily have to pick a single date to turn your heating off. Instead, you can adjust your settings so the heating only kicks in when temperatures drop below a certain level.

For example, setting your thermostat to 16-18°C can help maintain a comfortable home without wasting energy. This way, you don’t have to constantly monitor the weather—the heating will only come on when it’s really needed.

5. Do You Have Vulnerable Family Members?

If you have elderly relatives, young children, or anyone in the household with health conditions that make them more sensitive to the cold, it’s worth being extra cautious. Even if you’re comfortable without heating, they might need it on a little longer.

A good compromise is to keep the heating on a low setting in just the rooms they use most, rather than heating the whole house.

6. The Cost Factor: Saving Money vs Staying Warm

With energy bills still being a concern for many households, it’s understandable to want to turn the heating off as soon as possible. But don’t rush into it if it means being uncomfortable! Instead, look at ways to reduce heating costs without sacrificing warmth:

• Layer up – Wearing jumpers and thicker socks can make a big difference.
• Use blankets in the evening – A cosy throw on the sofa might mean you don’t need the heating on as much.
• Check for draughts – Make sure cold air isn’t sneaking in through windows and doors.
• Let the sun in – Open curtains during the day to naturally warm up your home.

7. Spring Heating Habits: It’s Not All or Nothing

Turning off the heating doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Many people find a gradual approach works best:

• Start by lowering the thermostat by 1-2°C.
• Reduce the number of hours your heating is on.
• Only heat rooms that are in use.

This can help ease the transition and prevent any unexpected chilly evenings from catching you off guard.

8. What About Hot Water?

If you have a combi boiler, your heating and hot water are separate, so turning off your heating won’t affect your hot water supply. However, if you have a traditional system with a hot water tank, you’ll still need to schedule hot water heating even if the radiators are off.

9. When Should You Turn It Back On?

Just because you’ve turned off your heating for the season doesn’t mean it has to stay off until next winter. If there’s an unexpected cold snap, don’t feel like you can’t put it back on. The key is comfort and flexibility—if you need a bit of extra warmth, switch it on!

Final Thoughts

The best time to turn off your heating depends on your home, your comfort levels, and the ever-changing UK weather. Keep an eye on temperatures, take it slow, and don’t feel pressured to switch it off just because someone else has.

By following these tips, you’ll stay warm while also making sensible energy savings. And if you do get caught out by a chilly evening? A hot cuppa and a blanket can work wonders!